Gravel volume & tonnage
Cubic yards = cu ft ÷ 27. Tons ≈ yards × (density lb/yd³ ÷ 2000). This tool defaults to about 2,700 lb/yd³ as a mid estimate for crushed stone; wet stone and different geologies vary. Confirm density with your supplier before ordering tons.
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft path at 4 inches with 10% compaction allowance: area 200 sq ft; depth 0.333 ft; volume ≈ 73.3 cu ft ≈ 2.7 cu yd—roughly 3.6 tons at 2,700 lb/yd³. Driveways often need a thicker compacted section; see gravel types for driveways.
| Material | Approx. tons / yd³ |
|---|---|
| Pea gravel | ~1.2–1.3 |
| #57 crushed stone | ~1.3–1.4 |
| Crusher run / dense grade | ~1.4–1.5 |
Base vs surface stone
Angular crusher run locks when compacted and makes a strong base. Clean drain rock and rounded pea gravel behave differently under tires. Match the product to the layer—do not assume one stone type does every job.
Common mistakes
- Skipping fabric or drainage details on soft soils.
- Ordering surface stone without enough base depth.
- Using dry density while receiving wet material by the ton.
Assumptions and limits
The gravel calculator results are planning estimates for rectangular or cylindrical shapes with uniform depth. Real sites have slopes, voids, and product variation. Always confirm coverage with the manufacturer label and local building practices before you buy large quantities.
Unit toggles switch input labels between US imperial and metric. Shareable URLs store your inputs in the query string for convenience, while the canonical tag stays on the clean page URL so search engines do not index every parameter combination.
Shopping checklist
- Write down the calculator outputs (volume, bags, or piece counts) and round up for waste.
- Call your supplier for density, dye lot, or delivery minimums when ordering bulk material.
- Check access for trucks, wheelbarrows, and staging space before delivery day.
- Photograph existing conditions so you can revisit dimensions if a helper measures differently.
FAQ
How deep should driveway gravel be?
Many driveways use several inches of compacted base (often 4–8"+ depending on soil and traffic). Follow local practice and stone-yard guidance for your region.
How many tons in a cubic yard of gravel?
Roughly 1.2–1.4 tons depending on rock type and moisture. Always confirm density with your supplier.
Related guides
Sources
- USDA NRCS – Aggregate and soil resources (general) Used for: Context on aggregates; density still confirmed with local stone yards. Checked .
Estimates only—confirm bag yields on the product label and check local building codes before you pour or order. Not affiliated with QUIKRETE, Sakrete, Sonoco, or any manufacturer named in the sources. Found an error? Tell me.
Calculator version 1.0 · Changelog